Instructions for Using the Registry

The table below shows all individual exonerations. By default, the table is set to show exonerations from 1989 through the present. Check "Pre-1989" in the Exoneration Era filter to view Pre-1989 exonerations. Use the filters on the left to search for exonerations with particular criteria. Hover over the symbols for explanations of filters or columns. Use the Keyword Search box to filter for cases that contain those keywords in the narrative summary.

If multiple keywords are entered, the search will show cases in which the narrative contains ANY of those words. Since the table is filtered to 1989 through the present by default, a search for the name of someone who was exonerated before 1989 will not produce results until the Date of Exoneration is adjusted, or the Pre-1989 filter is selected. Once filters have been set, select the column headings you wish to display, and sort the table by whatever column heading you choose by clicking on the column heading. For more detailed instructions, see Understanding the Registry, under "About" at the top right of the Home Page. Note: 1989 was the year of the first DNA exoneration and the dawn of a new era of wrongful convictions. The Registry used to separate the two - pre and post 1989 exonerations - into two separate and distinct databases. They are now synthesized to reflect the entire body of exoneration data. If you wish to view exonerations prior to 1989, check "Pre-1989" in the Exoneration Era filter. Read Less
Total records: 11
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Name State County Convicted Exonerated Crime Sentence Term of Years Years lost Age Race Sex Year of recantation Date of Release Posting Date
Burt, Lavale Illinois Cook 1986 1986 Murder Not Sentenced 0 19 Black Male 1986
Garrett, Sammie Illinois Cook 1970 1976 Murder Term of Years 20 to 40 years 5 21 Black Male 1975
Harling, Harry Illinois Cook 1973 1976 Manslaughter Term of Years 3 to 9 years 2 31 White Male 1975 04-19-2021
Howell, Everett Illinois Adams 1928 1930 Robbery Term of Years 1 year to life 2 White Male 1930
Lindsey, Lloyd Illinois Cook 1975 1979 Murder Term of Years 40 to 80 years 4 17 Black Male 1979
Long, James Illinois Cook 1934 1934 Robbery Term of Years 1 to Life 0 22 White Male 1934
McDonald, Wilbur Illinois Cook 1971 1973 Murder Term of Years 100 to 150 years 2 31 White Male 1973
Olson, Henry Illinois Winnebago 1928 1928 Murder Term of Years Life 0 26 Don't Know Male 1928
Sabin, Theodore Illinois Winnebago 1957 1957 Robbery Unknown 0 24 Don't Know Male 1957 04-27-2021
Sullivan, Melvin Illinois Cook 1979 1987 Murder Term of Years 20 years 7 27 White Male 1987 12-07-2020
Synon, Michael J. Illinois Cook 1900 1901 Murder Death 1 55 White Male 1901